Testing, Testing: First Batch Burn Results
First off, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s been supporting my startup journey so far — it truly means more than you know. I see you, I appreciate you, and I’m grateful for every bit of encouragement. 🙏🏾🫶
So… I know I said I’d wait the full two weeks before testing my candles. But once those scents started calling my name, my curiosity got the best of me! Technically, I’m still being patient — the rest of the candles are untouched and still curing — but I couldn’t resist testing just six. It felt like a fair compromise.
My original plan was to eventually use these six testers as sample candles for pop-ups so people could smell the fragrances without opening fresh ones. I also thought they’d make great decor or demonstration pieces. That way, every candle serves a purpose — no waste, no regrets. 🙌🏾 I might even offer them at discounted prices later with notes on their small imperfections for customers who appreciate the “perfectly imperfect.”
Discovering the Power of the Heat Gun
One of the most satisfying parts of candle making is how easily you can fix small flaws. My beginner anxiety about creating flawless tops completely melted away once I learned about heat guns — the secret weapon against sinkholes, bubbles, and uneven surfaces. The first time I used one, I was amazed at how quickly the wax re-smoothed itself into perfection within minutes. A quick re-melt, and the surface looked brand new again. Honestly, I don’t mind a few rustic imperfections here and there — they remind me each candle is handmade, poured with soul. Our imperfections are what make us unique. 😌
After smoothing the tops, I let the candles cure another couple of days before testing. My main focus points were wick size, hot throw, tunneling, and flame consistency. I used ½ pint (7 oz) tins and tested small, medium, and large wick sizes to find the perfect fit.
Day 1 – Small Wick Test
Location: Work
Duration: 4 hours
This candle honestly surprised me. I expected the small wick to struggle, but it burned beautifully for the first few hours. The scent throw was light but pleasant — enough to get a compliment from a coworker passing by (which totally made my day).
By the third hour, the melt pool stayed small, with some wax building up around the edges. By hour four, the pool still hadn’t reached the sides, but the aroma was amazing and lingered long after extinguishing. Verdict: the small wick performed well overall but left unmelted wax — great for testers or discounted “candle pro” buyers who don’t mind re-melting or troubleshooting.
Day 2 – Medium Wick Test (Clogged)
Location: Home
Duration: 4 hours
This one was supposed to be the ideal size… but it didn’t light properly. After several tries, I realized the wick was clogged — likely from reheating the top with my heat gun (oops!). It barely burned and the scent was faint, overly sweet, and artificial. I set it aside in frustration, but later learned this was a valuable mistake. A clogged or overly trimmed wick can make all the difference. Lesson learned: trim to about ¼ inch and avoid overheating the center when smoothing tops.
Day 2.5 – Side-by-Side Test (Small vs. Medium)
Location: Home
Duration: 4 hours
Next, I did a “versus” test — small wick on one side, medium wick on the other. The first 30 minutes were opposite of what I expected: the small wick blazed bright while the medium flickered weakly. By the second hour, they evened out. By the third, the medium wick finally took the lead — a strong, steady flame, full melt pool, and balanced scent throw. Perfect. Meanwhile, the small wick faded slightly but still burned cleanly. This comparison confirmed that medium wicks are best for my ½ pint tins in both performance and consistency.
And yes — I was so relaxed by hour four I forgot the candles were even burning while chilling with Hershey, my pup. Always a good sign. 😂
Day 3 – Large Wick Test
For the final test, I lit two large-wick candles simultaneously. Both burned fine initially, but the flames were weak and unstable. By the fourth hour, one went out entirely. Large wicks just don’t pair well with small tins — too much heat needed, not enough surface area. So those are officially out!
Lessons Learned & Next Steps
Through all the testing, I realized how simple and satisfying this process can be once you understand the variables. I didn’t need to wait the full two weeks — I gained valuable data early and feel more confident than ever moving forward.
Medium wicks are officially my standard for the 7 oz tins. Small wicks will still have a place — as testers or discounted hobby burns — and I even offer a candle care guide tip to help improve melt pools (hint: a little foil tent works wonders).
Now, I have a small batch inventory of quality candles ready to go — just waiting on my shipping materials (which have been in transit for what feels like forever 🥹😅). But knowing I’m ahead of schedule, confident in my product, and proud of what I’ve built — that’s the most rewarding part of all. This first test reminded me that every pour, every fix, and every lesson is shaping the brighter blaze ahead. ✨